Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour Itinerary
Distance from Arusha: ~45 km (~1.5 hours drive)
Recommended Start: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM from your hotel in Arusha
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM | Pickup from Hotel
- Depart from your hotel or lodge in Arusha after breakfast.
- Meet your driver-guide and enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro toward the village of Materuni, home of the Chagga people.
- Carry essentials:
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Comfortable walking shoes and light clothing
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Swimsuit and towel (optional for swimming at the waterfall)
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Hat, sunscreen, and water bottle
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Arrival at Materuni Village
- Arrive at the Materuni Village Office where you’ll register and meet your local Chagga guide.
- Receive a short briefing about the village, its traditions, and the day’s activities.
- Enjoy the refreshing mountain air and views of Mount Kilimanjaro (on clear days).
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Hike to Materuni Waterfall
- Begin your guided hike through lush banana and coffee farms.
- The trail leads through green landscapes and small streams before reaching the spectacular Materuni Waterfall (about 70–80 meters high).
- Enjoy the cool mist and take time for photos or a swim in the natural pool.
- Listen to stories from your guide about local culture, plants, and traditions.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Return Hike & Coffee Experience
- Walk back to the village and begin your Chagga coffee experience.
- Learn the traditional coffee-making process — from harvesting, roasting, grinding, to brewing by hand.
- Participate in the process and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of organic coffee while listening to local songs and stories.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Traditional Lunch
- Savor a home-cooked Chagga meal, featuring local dishes such as bananas, beans, rice, and seasonal vegetables.
- Engage with the hosts and learn more about village life and farming traditions.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Cultural Interaction & Relaxation
- Optional short walk around the village to see banana farms, traditional houses, or local schools.
- Enjoy panoramic views and take photos before departure.
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Drive Back to Arusha
- Begin your return journey to Arusha.
- Optional stop at a roadside market for fresh fruit or souvenirs.
- Arrive at your hotel by late afternoon.
4:30 PM | End of Tour
- Drop-off at your hotel or lodge in Arusha.
- Relax after a day of culture, coffee, and nature exploration.
Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfortable shoes — the trail can be slippery near the waterfall.
- Bring a swimsuit if you’d like to take a refreshing dip.
- Weather near Mount Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable — carry a light rain jacket.
- Great tour for nature lovers, culture seekers, and photographers.